César Franck and the French Symphony

César Franck (1822-1890): The Seraphic Father

Belgian-born Franck became the spiritual leader of French instrumental music. As organ professor at the Conservatoire, he influenced a generation seeking alternatives to operatic dominance.

His mature style developed late: - Piano Quintet (1879): Passionate chromaticism shocking from the mild professor - Violin Sonata (1886): Cyclic form creating unity across movements - Symphony in D minor (1888): Germanic weight with French clarity - Symphonic Variations (1885): Piano and orchestra in dialogue

Franck's harmonic language—chromatic but always tonal—influenced French music profoundly. His students, the "Bande à Franck," included d'Indy, Chausson, and Duparc.